Illinois Short Film Contest Offers $250 Prize and a Festival Spotlight

The next wave of Illinois filmmakers won’t need a studio deal or a film school connection to earn their first screening.

This summer, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is inviting students and young filmmakers to submit entries for its Shortcuts Short Film Contest. The competition is open to Illinois residents 22 years old or younger, and the stakes are clear: a $250 cash prize and a spot on the big screen at the 815HORTS festival this fall.

The initiative is led by the Illinois Film Office, an arm of DCEO, and aims to highlight local voices across the state’s growing creative industry.

“DCEO’s Illinois Film Office continues to serve as an integral partner for the 815HORTS festival,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “I encourage eligible filmmakers throughout the state to submit their works to the Shortcuts Short Film Contest for their chance to be featured on the big screen as part of Illinois’ world-class film industry.”

More Than Just Prize Money

The short film contest winner will receive $250, but that’s only part of the reward.

Their film will also be screened at 815HORTS, a juried short film festival held in Rockford from November 14 to 15. The event has steadily gained a reputation for championing emerging talent and offering authentic industry exposure, especially for those outside major metro hubs.

All Shortcuts Short Film Contest submissions received by the August 31 deadline will automatically be considered for the broader 815HORTS lineup, giving participants an even greater shot at visibility.

“We’re so grateful to the Illinois Film Office for its continued partnership with 815HORTS and our film program in Rockford,” said Nicholas Povalitis, founder of the Plus Seven company and program director of 815HORTS. “With the return of Shortcuts and its integration into 815HORTS, we are now able to improve on one of our most important festival goals, reaching the many aspiring and talented student filmmakers throughout the state. It’s an honor to help IFO uplift young filmmakers, and we’re thankful for this opportunity.”

A State-Supported Industry on the Rise

While Shortcuts Short Film Contest focuses on early-career creators, it’s rooted in a much larger vision. Illinois has made major moves to attract film production and creative labor in recent years. That includes extending the Film Production Tax Credit through 2032 and launching a Film & TV Workforce Training Program to develop in-state talent.

These investments are already paying off.

Film and TV productions spent $653 million across Illinois last year, the second-highest figure in state history. From major series to indie shoots, Illinois is positioning itself as a serious alternative to the coasts.

That growth isn’t accidental. It’s being engineered.

Between fiscal years 2017 and 2024, the state’s tax credit produced $4.5 billion in economic activity. According to DCEO, 94% of that impact is directly tied to the incentive program.

Shortcuts Short Film Contest sits at the base of that pipeline, offering students and emerging creators a way into the industry, without waiting for permission.

Open Call, Clear Path

The submission process of the short film contest is intentionally simple. Eligible entrants must be Illinois residents, age 22 or under. Short films can be submitted directly through the 815HORTS website, where official guidelines are posted. There’s no entry fee, and no red tape.

Once submitted, entries will be reviewed for both the Shortcuts Short Film Contest and the 815HORTS festival lineup. The cash award may be small, but the screening opportunity is substantial. For many young creators, this could be their first public showcase.

Building Careers From the Ground Up

Shortcuts is not just a short film contest, it’s a signal. Illinois isn’t only chasing major productions. It’s investing in its next generation of filmmakers, giving them platforms, partnerships, and a path forward.

With arts education funding under pressure and industry access often gated, these initiatives offer real-world exposure without the traditional barriers.

That matters.

At a time when video content is everywhere, but curated platforms are rare, having a short film selected for a juried festival can change a career trajectory. It becomes a calling card, a conversation starter, and a stepping stone.

The state’s message is clear: if you’ve got a vision, we’ll help you share it.

It’s a small step. But it’s in the right direction, one that values creativity as both cultural currency and economic engine.